OH board clears voter rights proposal as one issue

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Supporters of a voting rights proposal in Ohio can now gather the needed signatures in their campaign to get it on the fall ballot.

The Ohio Ballot Board ruled Thursday that the proposed "Ohio Voters Bill of Rights" contains a single constitutional amendment, clearing the way for the effort to continue.

The proposed amendment seeks to place certain voter protections into the state constitution. It would expand early voting opportunities and make other changes to election rules. The measure is supported by a coalition of black lawmakers, clergy and civil rights leaders.

Petitioners must gather more than 385,000 signatures to get it on the November ballot.

The board is chaired by Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted (HYOO'-sted).